The 2021 Ford F-250 SD has 12 recalls, the most serious involving fuel system and drivetrain failures that can cut engine power without warning or cause a complete loss of steering control.
Several recalls address fuel delivery problems. On diesel models, biodiesel deposits can cause the high-pressure fuel pump to fail and cut drive power. A separate diesel concern involves a defect in the secondary fuel filter cap that can develop a pinhole leak, creating a fire risk near ignition sources. On gasoline-engine trucks, underbody heat shields can loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, potentially fracturing it and causing the driveshaft to strike the ground and destabilize the vehicle. A low-pressure fuel pump failure on certain trims can also stall the engine while driving. The steering column upper shaft on some trucks can detach entirely, leaving the driver with no steering input.
On the structural and visibility side, some windshields were not properly bonded during manufacturing and can separate in a crash, and the wiper arms can break and leave the driver without wipers in wet conditions. Three separate recalls cover rear camera failures, where the image can appear blank, distorted, or fail to display properly in certain lighting. The owner's manual on SuperCab models also lacks instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints, which can lead to improper positioning in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
Biodiesel deposits can build up on the fuel pump's internal roller parts, potentially causing the high-pressure fuel pump to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your engine control computer software at no cost to prevent deposit buildup.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The 360-degree view camera system may fail to display the rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the image processing module software at no charge to fix the camera display issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column's upper shaft may detach, causing you to lose steering control of your vehicle.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the steering column and repair or replace the upper shaft at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Ford is developing a fix. A second letter with repair instructions will be mailed when available, expected in Q2 2026.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may show a blank or distorted image instead of a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the rearview camera at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Biodiesel deposits can build up on the high-pressure fuel pump's internal roller parts, potentially causing the pump to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will update your powertrain and transmission control software at no cost to prevent deposit buildup.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual lacks instructions for adjusting or removing head restraints in certain seating positions, making these vehicles non-compliant with federal head restraint safety standards.
What the fix does
Ford will mail free owner's manual addendums with instructions for adjusting and removing center-position head restraints.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper arms can break, causing the windshield wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and rub against the aluminum driveshaft, potentially damaging and fracturing it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driveshaft, repair it if needed, and securely reattach the underbody insulators.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A small void in the secondary fuel filter cap may grow into a pinhole leak over time, causing fuel to leak from the top of the secondary fuel filter.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the primary and secondary fuel filters at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not be properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, which could cause it to detach in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
